The Purple Bin Project
Small Bins. Big Change. A Sunshine Coast community initiative
The Purple Bin Project is a community initiative run by Loving Life Support Services on the Sunshine Coast. Our mission is simple: turn everyday recycling into meaningful opportunities for people with disability.
We partner with local businesses to place purple recycling bins at their premises. The bins collect eligible drink bottles and cans that might otherwise end up in general waste. Our participants then help collect, sort and recycle the containers as part of their community participation and skill development.
It brings people with disability, local businesses and the wider Sunshine Coast community together to create something that benefits everyone, because everyone deserves the chance to contribute, belong and be valued.
How the Purple Bin Project Works
The process is designed to be simple for everyone involved.
1. Local businesses join
Businesses across the Sunshine Coast register their interest in becoming a Purple Bin Partner.
2. We provide a Purple Bin
A purple recycling bin is placed at an agreed spot within the business.
3. Bottles and cans are collected
Staff and customers put eligible drink containers in the Purple Bin instead of general waste.
4. Our participants get involved
With support from Loving Life staff, participants collect the containers from participating businesses, practising communication, teamwork, responsibility and practical skills along the way.
5. Sorting and recycling
Participants help sort and prepare the containers for recycling, learning about sustainability and looking after the environment.
6. Making a difference
Every collection is about more than recycled containers. It is a chance for skill development, independence and real community involvement.
Why We Created the Purple Bin Project
We believe disability support should be about more than filling someone’s day with activities.
We wanted to create genuine opportunities for people to get out into their community, try new things, develop skills and feel proud of what they achieve. Rather than activities with little connection to the wider community, the Purple Bin Project has a real purpose and a visible outcome that participants can see.
Together we create:
• Meaningful opportunities for people with disability
• Stronger connections with local businesses
• Practical skills and confidence
• Positive social interaction
• A cleaner, more sustainable Sunshine Coast
The Purple Bin Project isn’t just about recycling bottles and cans. It’s about purpose, connection and opportunity.
Get Involved
For NDIS Participants
Looking for a community activity that is fun, meaningful and builds practical skills? Participants can get involved in:
• Visiting participating local businesses
• Helping collect bottles and cans
• Sorting and organising recyclable containers
• Learning about recycling and sustainability
• Working alongside others towards a shared goal
Along the way, participants can build confidence and independence, work-related skills like sorting, organising and following instructions, communication and social skills, and real connections with the local community.
Who Can Join?
The Purple Bin Project is for NDIS participants aged 13 and up on the Sunshine Coast whose plans are self-managed or plan-managed. It is usually funded through Core Supports as community participation.
To get involved, send us an enquiry through our contact form, choose Sunshine Coast as your location and tick the Purple Bin Project, or call us on 0437 170 386.
For Local Businesses
By hosting a Purple Bin at your business, you can:
• Support people with disability in your community
• Help create meaningful community participation
• Be part of a more sustainable Sunshine Coast
• Show your customers and staff you care about your community
There is no cost to host a Purple Bin. Use the button below to become a Purple Bin Partner and we’ll be in touch.